Stagecoach 2014: 43 arrests made during country music festival’s first day

INDIO >> The first day of Stagecoach Country Music Festival resulted in 43 arrests, the majority of which were alcohol-related, according to the Indio Police Department.

“We always know, based on past history, that the majority of incidents will be alcohol-related,” said department spokesman Ben Guitron.

The number is nine less arrests than the previous year, which had 52 arrests, but still nearly double of the arrests made during the first Fridays of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival hosted at the same venue on April 11 (23 arrests) and April 18 (28 arrests).

Still, Guitron said the department was happy with how the first day turned out.

Guitron encourages attendees to pace themselves and stay hydrated.

“Don’t substitute alcohol for water,” Guitron said. “Enjoy yourself, but just remember it’s about choices — make good choices and have a great time or make a bad choice and spend the concert with the police department.”